You found us totally by surprise. We went to the Humane Society one day, as we frequently did to drop off some donations and Dad had to go in the back and visit the “kids”. Next thing he comes out and says to me, “We have another dog.” When he spotted you it was love at first sight. You were about six years old and just the happiest dog he had ever seen. When I came to look at you, I had my doubts because you were an older dog, a male, a bigger dog, and we already had five smaller dogs at home. But, Dad was right, you were the happiest dog and love just oozed out of you. So, from dropping off donations,
we came home with you.
There was no need to worry, you were a very happy, carefree dog and were content to take your place in the pack–never trying to be dominant, just happy to be with us. You accepted everything just the way it was and went about everything in your own carefree manner. You loved everybody and everybody loved you, animal and human.
You were somewhat of a clown and always found ways to amuse yourself. We knew nothing of your past, but we found it hard to believe that you were an unclaimed stray. You had an air about you, somewhat dignified but yet full of fun and excitement–everything made you happy and that tail of yours never stopped wagging. And you always had a smile on your face, never seen a dog so happy and full of life.
You seldom barked, thankfully, because when you did it was just one low, very deep bark that literally rattled the windows! You also had a thing about fish. Not that you ate them, you were just intrigued with them. When Dad came home from fishing, we had to watch the bucket as he was cleaning fish because you weren’t above taking
them out and playing with them.
One time Dad had some pretty good size catfish and he told me to bring him the last one in the bucket. I went to get it and there was no fish, the bucket was empty. I’m looking around and don’t see anything. Suddenly we look in the front room and there you are playing with a 10 lb. catfish!
I was not real happy with you because you dragged the slimey thing across the carpet, but you were so happy with yourself it was hard for me to holler at you. Besides, we couldn’t do anything but laugh, you were so happy. How you got it out of the bucket without getting stabbed by the fins, is something we never did figure out–but you showed us more than once that you knew how to handle them.
Imagine my terror one day when I found a large tumor in your mouth. I was in a state of panic. We were off to the vet immediately. You had surgery the next day to remove it. It turned out it was cancerous, but the vet said she got it all. The surgery didn’t seem to bother you in the least and you went about life as usual.
We thought things were back to normal when two weeks later the tumor was back. I didn’t know what to do. The vet said she could remove it again and take a bigger area. I was doubtful, but we went ahead and did it anyway. You came through again as though nothing happened, but I was starting to get really worried. Things were okay for about three weeks and it reappeared again.
We decided we weren’t going to put you through another surgery. I talked to Val a very good friend and super vet tech and guardian angel to all our kids. She suggested that we bring you to the Animal Hospital and let a specialist look at you. She has never steered us wrong before and we did not want to let you go, so off to the hospital we went. The specialist you seen Dr. Bruce, was excellent. He said he could get all the cancer but he would have to go really deep. I didn’t want to put you through a lot of pain and I had serious doubts, but Dad and Val convinced me, they had a lot of faith in the doctor.
After the surgery, I was horrified. They had to remove half of your jaw. When I seen you in the recovery room, I hated myself for what I let them do to you. But, when you woke up it was as though nothing happened. Your tail was wagging and you were smiling like always, only your smile was a little crooked! You gave us a big kiss and acted like everything was alright and you were ready to go home. Even the Dr. was amazed how well you did. It never bothered you or caused you any problems with eating or anything–you just accepted it and life went on.
We forgot about the cancer and things were fine, for about a year and a half. Then one night I found a mysterious red lump on your side. I had no idea what is was, but it looked ugly. It didn’t seem to be bothering you but you did seem a little sluggish. The next morning I went to check on you and there were two more lumps and you weren’t acting like your normal energetic self. As soon as the vet opened, we were there. She wasn’t sure what the lumps were either, but aspirated one to find out.
The next day the lab report came back and it was a very aggressive, deadly cancer. It was obvious, because by then you were dying before our eyes and there was nothing we could do. After everything else you went through and then this happening–we were crushed. It was time to let you go–your eyes told us you were ready. As I held you as you crossed the Bridge, you still managed to wag your tail and give me that famous smile—letting me know that you accepted this too and that it was okay. We only had you for 7 years, but they were great years and you truly left pawprints on our hearts.
We will never forget you and your love and acceptance of life. We are so sorry that things happened the way they did, but we know you are at Peace. In our eyes you are truly a hero. Thank you for sharing your love of life with us. Until we meet at the Bridge, dear sweet George, be happy—–
WITH LOVE FOREVER AND EVER,
| George |
| 22, Apr 2002 |
| Helen Malinauskas & Joe Bielinski |